Fall dropped in last week all in a matter of days and we have really been through it in the last few months. These trying times have left us windblown, parched, cold, drenched and shaken. Our beautiful beaches washed out into the river, our roads have sunken and chipped away. Our magnificent old trees that once gave us such comfort and shade have become enemies to our homes and property. Small creeks have swollen and become life threatening for our neighbors. We even had some of our dear members held captive over night in our lodge by inches upon inches of rain.

Amidst all these trials and tribulations; the generosity, bravery and love of life for our fellowman still shines through in the kindness of a few selfless acts and people. From a couple of young firefighters jumping into swift water and fighting several hours to save a woman from drowning, to the lodge bartender who stayed up all night providing comfort and keeping watch over her patrons, who were kept from their own homes by the dangerous weather: to the board member providing safe transportation for those members even though he risked his own safety by these acts; we find Hero’s amongst us.

These silent Hero’s do not stand up and ask for praise or expect anything in return! They don’t even consider themselves Hero’s! They just knew there was a need to fill, then opened their hearts and gave of their self (as they always do) to instill calm, safety and protection in their charges of the moment. This is NOT what they DO; this is WHO they ARE!

During the upcoming Holiday Season we all tend to give a little more of ourselves to aid our fellow man however; I Challenge YOU to emulate these silent Hero’s 365 days a year instead of just during this season. The foundation of our Lodge was built on this community and caring attitude so why not live that legacy Daily…. Showing a little Gratitude goes a long way and acts of kindness are forever etched upon our hearts.

I am Grateful to walk among such Hero’s and especially blessed, to call them… Friend!

Ask how you may show your Gratitude at your Lodge today!

Until next month,
Your Grateful Editor

Please NOTE: If you would like to receive “Up-to-the Minute” updates on activity changes or additional information regarding “Happenings” at the lodge, including when our on-line newsletter is published please request “Add Me to Your email list” and send it to cbmlwebmistress@gmail.com to be added to our email list.

“The ASYLUM” Haunted House
Fridays & Saturdays in October 2011
4780 James Monroe Hwy.
7-11 pm Tickets $5 at the door
For the Benefit of… Moose Charities
Colonial Beach Blues Society
Contact : Charlie email: cpompell@yahoo.com
http://www.theasylumcolonialbeach.webs.com/
Open to the Public

Adult Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
8pm to Midnight
Featuring “Young Country” Band
Open to the Public

21st Annual Charity Big Band Dance
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011
8pm to 11pm
Featuring “Northern Neck Big Band”
Open to the Public

October 7 - Steak, Salad, Baked Potatoes, Veggie, Dessert
October 14 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Peas, Dessert
October 21 - Gumbo, Salad, Corn Bread, Dessert
October 28 - Fish Fry, Hush Doggies, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Dessert

Friday Dinner out with your friends...is ALWAYS a good idea!

As most of you know by now, our monthly Dinner meetings have been changed to the first Monday of the month, except when the first Monday is a holiday, then the meeting is on the second Monday. This coming Monday, October 3, will be something different. A “Baked Potato Bar” with choice of toppings.

Next up is the fall MLC Celebration at the Stafford Moose Lodge October 7 and 8. A full day of meetings and fun is planned with the Conferral Service at 4:00, Social Hour hosted by Stafford MLC At 5:00, Dinner 7:00 followed by Karaoke and Dancing. Official Visitor will be Mike Arrington. Please join us as we hope to have a good turnout from Colonial Beach.

Please don’t forget, Fourth Friday Fish fry in the Social Quarters, we can always use help cooking, preparing and waiting tables. See you soon!

Fraternally
Jim McLanahan
Chairman